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Royals Trade Jon Jay to Diamondbacks for Two Minor League Pitchers

According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Royals have traded Jon Jay to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league pitchers Gabe Speier (LHP) and Elvis Luciano (RHP).

Speier was a 19th round selection of the Red Sox in 2013. He’s a 23-year-old reliever currently pitching at AA. In 29.2 innings of work, he’s got a 3.03 ERA, 26 strikeout, and 10 walks with a 1.23 WHIP. MLB Pipeline does not consider Speier a top-30 prospect for the Diamondbacks.

They do consider Luciano one, though. He is ranked 26th in the Diamondback’s system, according to MLB Pipeline. Luciano is an 18-year-old starting pitcher out of the Dominican Republic. Across the DSL and two Rookie Leagues last season, he pitched 66.2 innings with a 2.84 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 18 walks.

Luciano seems to be the real prize of this trade, as projectable righty with advanced mound presence and three average to above average pitches. According to Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star, Luciano has been assigned to Burlington, a rookie-level club.

Check back later for scouting reports on the Royals two new farm hands.